Science, s'mores added to 2013 Motown Winter Blast

DETROIT -- Downtown Detroit will be full of new activities for the entire family and exciting entertainment as the 2013 Motown Winter Blast returns to Campus Martius Park from Friday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, Feb. 10.

This year, Quicken Loans, with its world headquarters located in Campus Martius, steps in as presenting sponsor of the annual outdoor event.

"Quicken Loans has been a proud sponsor of the Winter Blast for six years, and we are excited to have the opportunity to support an event that showcases the best of Detroit -- this time as presenting sponsor," said Jay Farner, President and Chief Marketing Officer of Quicken Loans. "Detroit is an exciting town, and by supporting this entertaining family-friendly event, we are helping to provide one more amazing wintertime entertainment opportunity that makes downtown Detroit a great place to live, work and play."

More activities

Originally created as the backdrop for Super Bowl XL, the festival attracted more than 75,000 people in 2012.

This year's event brings two new activities for families and community members to enjoy. The "Winter Blast-Off," presented by the General Motors Foundation, features hands-on, imaginative science programs put on by Mad Science of Detroit, a Michigan-based organization that offers children's science programming throughout metro Detroit.

Children will engage in exciting, themed activities, including the Fire & Ice Show, three science fun stations and science trivia. In fact, kids walk away with their own unique creations. The kid-tested, teacher-approved programs are a must see, and will run Friday evening and all day Saturday and Sunday.

"Science is everywhere ... even in the snow," said Vivian Pickard, president of General Motors Foundation. "The GM Foundation is excited to bring the 'Winter Blast-Off' program to this year's festival to give kids fun, interesting and interactive ways to discover the world of science that exists all around them."

Additionally, Flagstar Bank will present the first-ever "S'mores Happy Hour," a fun activity for Campus Martius-area employees. On Friday of the festival, employees throughout Campus Martius will have the opportunity to make their own custom s'mores from 4:30-6 p.m. during a celebration for all those who work downtown.

"Flagstar Bank is honored to be a part of the 2013 Winter Blast, especially this year as we open our first branch in downtown Detroit near Campus Martius," said Donell Miles, Flagstar Vice President and Market Leader for Detroit's new branches. "We hope to meet many of our new neighbors when they come out for some fun around the fire as we roast marshmallows together and kick off the Winter Blast in delicious fashion."

Specifics on participating in this "S'mores Happy Hour" celebration will be released in the coming weeks.

The 2013 festival will present an exciting winter-themed lineup, including free ice skating at the Campus Martius Park rink, courtesy of Charter One Bank. Winter Blast is the only time during the year when metro Detroiters can skate at no charge in the city's skating rink.

Other returning favorites include the Flagstar Bank Ice Garden and Greektown Casino Taste of Detroit featuring restaurants from across metro Detroit. Two Detroit dining favorites have been added to the list, as 2013 attendees will be able to enjoy treats from Keego Harbor Specialty Sausage Co. and Mudgies Deli, who will join other favorites including the Detroit Seafood market, Palm Palace and Hudson Café. Also part of Taste of Detroit is musical entertainment showcasing top acts from across the Motor City.

This stage will be one of three planned entertainment venues that will feature up to 50 bands throughout the weekend. Specific acts and schedules will be announced by early February. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan's ice skating exhibitions and snowshoeing activities, and heated comfort zones also have been confirmed, with additional exciting elements being discussed for the schedule.

Giving Back

For the fourth consecutive year, Motown Winter Blast and Matrix Human Services have partnered in support of "Breaking the ICE on the cycle of Poverty" program. Volunteers from the nonprofit organization will collect children's books, nonperishable food items or monetary donations at festival gates as part of a special Motown Winter Blast "admission fee." All donated items will support those in need to fight hunger and promote literacy in metro Detroit.

"Through this partnership with Motown Winter Blast, we've been able to make significant contributions to fight poverty and hunger throughout southeast Michigan," said Marcella Wilson, Ph.D., president and CEO of Matrix Human Services. "With the support of Winter Blast and the caring citizens of metro Detroit, we're able reach those most in need on a larger scale. Last year we collected 17,000 lbs. of food and books, and more than $15,000 toward our campaign to help those struggling around Detroit."

Winter Blast is made possible thanks to the generous support of many corporate citizens, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Brown Forman, Charter One Bank, Compuware,